Commissioner Larry Johnson Visits Tokyo for Council of Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar

DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, in his role as the District 3 commissioner and past president of the National Association of Counties, is attending the Council of Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar hosted by Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) in Tokyo, Japan.

Commissioner Johnson was chosen to serve as the head of the delegation to represent the attendees during this visit.  He will be responsible for giving four different speeches during the tours: presentation and opinion exchange with Ministry of Foreign Affairs; welcome reception hosted by Okayama Prefecture with the governor, and officials; visit to the superintendent of education of Okayama Prefecture and farewell dinner at Parity Makibi.

“This is a distinct honor that I am able to travel to Tokyo to further expand my knowledge and share my passion for public service,” said Commissioner Johnson.  “This is an amazing learning opportunity and a time to strengthen ties between our countries.”

The program for this year’s Local Government Exchange and Cooperation Seminar features two main elements: a seminar in Tokyo and a study tour of a local government in regional Japan. 

• Tokyo Program provides an opportunity to learn about Japan’s local government system and theme-related site visits in Tokyo. The content includes:
  • A lecture about local government in Japan
  • Various site visits in Tokyo
• Regional Program will take place in Okayama Prefecture.  Based on the theme of the seminar, participants will discuss and exchange opinions with the host local authority, learn about relevant issues through tours, and experience local Japanese culture through site visits. The content includes:
  • Introduction to the host local government and opinion and information exchange about issues related to the designated theme.
  • A courtesy visit with executives of the host local government.
  • Various site visits and opportunities for discussion

Additionally, some of the classes that Commissioner Johnson will attend focus on Sustainable City Policies in Japan; Urban Policy: Community Development and Local Public Transportation Systems; Local Finance; Local Tax System; and Water Management.

Commissioner Johnson is an exemplary leader with proven skills who has chosen to dedicate his life to public service by bringing people together of all races, ethnic groups, and economic backgrounds. This experience in Tokyo will add to the work of continuing to build healthy, safe, and vibrant communities at the local, state, national and international levels.

For more information, contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or visit www.commissionerlarryjohnson.com.